held up in touch on inner, 3rd halfway, 4th before 2 out, ridden and no impression in 4th before last, kept on one pace
made all, pressed 2 out, went on entering straight, pushed along before last, 3 lengths lead at last, ridden out and kept on well
held up in touch in rear, took keen hold, mistake 1st, not fluent 4th, headway after 2 out, pushed along in 3rd before last, slow at last, ridden and no impression, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, close up early, not fluent 3rd, 4th halfway, close 3rd when slow 2 out, soon ridden and dropped to rear, no extra before last, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, 2nd halfway, stumbled on landing 3 out, pushed along and pressed leader next, ridden in 2nd and no impression before last, kept on same pace
NonRunner
Honeysuckle lost her phenomenal unbeaten record in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse, the first sign of deterioration. However, she's still only nine and Hurricane Fly was eleven when he gained the fifth of his victories in this so she has every chance of bouncing back. STATE MAN has looked a potential champion since his early days with Willie Mullins and he's now won three Grade 1's in succession. He had plenty in hand over stablemate Vauban in the Matheson here in December though the latter, last season's top juvenile, was having his first start since April and is entitled to get closer. Pied Piper and Zanahiyr have plenty to do and Takarengo was engaged in the 3.40 yesterday.
Pied Piper 12-1 (11-12) Towards rear, 4th 4 out, weakened and detached before last (normal 2 out), eased after last, completely tailed off, last of 5, dist behind State Man (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Dec.
State Man (FR) 4-6fav (11-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, took closer order 2 out, travelled well to lead before last (normal 2 out), asserted final furlong, kept on well, comfortably, won at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Vauban (11-12) by 4 1/4l, 5 ran.
Vauban (FR) 11-4 (11-12) Rear, 5th 4 out, headway before last (normal 2 out), progress in 3rd over 2f out, closed in 2nd 2f out, not much room and switched right over 1f out, no impression on winner 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 5, 4 1/4l behind State Man (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Zanahiyr (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, slight mistakes 4th and 5th, ridden and no impression 2 out, soon no extra, pulled up before last, at Leopardstown 3m (1) sft in Dec.
Honeysuckle 4-11fav (11-3) Mid-division, improved to 3rd before 3 out, travelled well to lead before 2 out where jumped slightly left, headed and dropped to 3rd before last, ridden and kept on run-in, no extra close home, 3rd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Teahupoo (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) sft in Dec.
Takarengo (IRE) 3-1 (10-13) Prominent, led or disputed lead after 3rd, headed after 4 out and pushed along next, 3rd and no impression approaching last, ridden and kept on one pace run-in, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Lucky Max (11-12) at Cork 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Jan.
